Poverty Among Spanish Americans in Texas: Low-Income Families in a Minority Group.

Upham, W. Kennedy; Wright, David E.

An analysis of 1960 census data for persons with Spanish surnames in Texas reveals a significantly high rate of poverty when compared with other ethnic groups and national averages. An analysis by county shows greater economic disadvantagement in the southern part of the state where the concentration of Mexican Americans is higher. Rural Mexican American families are poorer than those in urban areas. Mexican Americans in Texas have a lower level of educational attainment and greater family size than both Anglo Americans and non-white groups. The relation between poverty and education indicates that no real progress can be made in raising economic levels unless educational levels are raised. (JH)